MAT forces land on Gavdos – “Today is not the end, but the beginning”

Intense scenes have unfolded over the past hours on Gavdos, specifically in the Lavrakas area, where MAT forces unexpectedly disembarked and proceeded with demolitions of wooden structures. Huts that had been shelters for decades and, in some cases, permanent homes, were flattened, while trees and makeshift structures linked to the daily lives of the inhabitants were turned into rubble, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

In this tense atmosphere, a member of the Gavdos SeaFront Collective, who spoke to NEWS 24/7, described an unprecedented operation, marking the first presence of MAT forces on the remote island.

“Today is not the end, but the beginning,” they stated, describing the events that unfolded over the last hours in the Lavrakas area. According to the complaint, a MAT squad disembarked on the island with the assistance of the Coast Guard and carried out extensive demolitions using chainsaws, of huts within a forested and coastal zone, citing the protection of the forest. “It’s the theater of the absurd. MAT entered the forest, the first time this has happened. The island is nearly empty, there are about ten of us here,” the source said.

This individual described scenes of tension and destruction: “They started breaking cedars and demolishing the huts. They left behind a forest full of rubble. Some didn’t even manage to grab their belongings, they wouldn’t let us pass.” As they emphasize, the huts were not just makeshift structures, but for many, they were places of permanent or semi-permanent residence: “Today these people will be homeless, without shelter. These are the workers of the island.”

This development has triggered strong reactions from residents, vacationers, and collectives, who speak of the violent expulsion of a lifestyle that they claim is intrinsically linked to the island’s identity and the protection of its natural environment. On its part, the Decentralized Administration insists that this is the implementation of the law, stating that the land is public and encroached upon, with the goal being the completion of demolitions within the week.

Meanwhile, the same member of the collective directly questions the authorities’ narrative about “forest protection,” accusing them of distorting the truth: “They tell us we’re illegal in the forest. But before we came, the area was a dumping ground for trash washed ashore. We cleaned it up. Even the MAT officers said they were impressed they didn’t find a single cigarette butt.”

“Those being pursued are the ones who have taken care of this place for 30 years,” they add, accusing the authorities of applying “the letter of the law, not its spirit.”

The testimony adds to an already tense situation. As has been reported, the demolition operation started by the Decentralized Administration of Crete, which is executing 25 protocols for forested and reforestation areas, citing the protection of public space. The interventions began on Tuesday (April 21), with an initial team arriving at Lavrakas Beach but not proceeding immediately due to resistance and negotiations with those present.

The following day, the presence was strengthened with MAT forces and demolition crews, apparently determined to complete the operation.

What is certain is that what unfolded on Gavdos does not end with the completion of the demolitions. On the contrary, it seems to open a new front between state intervention and a community that insists on defining its relationship with the place differently. With the images from Lavrakas still fresh and reactions intensifying, the question now no longer concerns the legality of the structures, but which model of life and management will prevail at the southernmost tip of the country. And this discussion, as it appears, has just begun.

Meanwhile, the issue is being carried outside the island as well. A protest rally is being organized today, Thursday, April 23, at 19:00 in Syntagma Square, by people who live or visit Gavdos, as well as by supporters. The central slogan of the mobilization is: “Hands off Gavdos. Concrete has owners, nature only lovers and protectors.”